Te Matau a Kiwa • The Hook of Kiwa

Kiwa was the explorer of the Pacific, hence the Maori name
for the Pacific Ocean “Te Moananui a Kiwa”. The matau
(hook) used in today’s society has taken a more symbolic role
than as a functional object. It represents strength (strength of
the people), prosperity (to acknowledge the past, to prosper
now and in the future), and unity (bound together as one to
succeed in whatever path chosen).

Lewis Gardiner is regarded as one of the most innovative and
respected Māori jade artists of his generation. In 1994, he graduated
in Māori Craft and Design at the Waiariki Institute of Technology
in Rotorua. During his final year he was introduced to the valuable
medium of pounamu (jade) and was immediately attracted to its
artistic possibilities. Māori had always valued pounamu for both its
hardness and for its translucent beauty. Lewis was no different — as
he says, “Our tupuna (ancestors) have given us, the Māori people,
the resource and knowledge base to provide a reference for us
and our children for years to come.”